Description

The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art has one of the finest collections of 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century American art in the Midwest region. Through special exhibitions, educational programs, performance events and publications, the Albrecht-Kemper serves as a cultural arts center for Northwest Missouri.

The Museum originated in 1913 with the foundation of the St. Joseph Art League--twelve women who sought to increase public awareness and understanding of the arts.

With the hope of establishing a public art museum in St. Joseph, the League acquired the William Merritt Chase painting A Venetian Balcony. This purchase, made in 1915 with funds raised at performances, teas and a special showing of the painting in a local department store, became the first work in the Museum's collection.